Lebanese foreign minister defends framework agreement with Israel

Lebanese foreign minister defends framework agreement with Israel Lebanon's foreign minister has defended the country's framework agreement with Israel, signed in Washington last week, saying it is the only path to securing Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Youssef Raggi said the negotiations launched by the Lebanese state have "no alternative and no parallel track". "They are the only path to securing a full Israeli withdrawal and reaching a lasting agreement that ensures stability while safeguarding Lebanon's rights, sovereignty, and national interests," he said. Israel currently occupies around six percent of Lebanon following its invasion in mid-March, which was launched in response to attacks carried out by Iran-backed Hezbollah. The framework has drawn sharp criticism across Lebanon's political spectrum, with critics arguing that the arrangement benefits Israel at Beirut's expense.